Monday, May 19, 2008

Is It Really The End of The Road for Rhodes?

A picture of Marge Kinder and her great granddaughter, Erin at Rhodes Reunion

Thirty four years of reunions, detailed planning, rich history, tears for the lost, hugs for those left, memories, laughs, deep Tacoma love—these are the ingredients of the former Tacoma Rhodes Department Store employees who gather together annually. Rhodes, the business beacon and Tacoma icon, opened its doors in 1903 with a promise of great customer service, employee loyalty, and quality. The store delivered on those promises until its downtown doors closed at 11th and Broadway in 1974. Some employees followed the business to the Tacoma Mall under the new moniker, Liberty House (which eventually morphed into Frederick and Nelson). Others chose new paths; but one thing was clear; the Rhodes employees were committed to staying in touch with each other. My grandmother, Margaret (Marge) Kinder, believed in this commitment and served as an active member of the reunion committee since it’s inception and even chaired it for a couple of years. At 87, she still serves as the reunion luncheon “greeter,” party favor creator, membership detail, and a variety of other things. I got to see Grandma in action last year and again this year at the Elks Club in Tacoma on May 17th, where the reunion members, now in their 70’s and beyond, braved the heat wave and gathered to say hello to friends, and regrettably, goodbye to a long standing tradition.

And indeed they came. By car, taxi, long distances and short, and even one spirited lady came by motorcycle. Many ladies donned their crisp summer whites and all embraced the refreshing cool air of the interior of the Elks. I helped direct guests to the luncheon room and even personally escorted a lovely lady named Maude who reminisced with me about her Rhodes days and her upcoming 96th birthday. There were lots of hugs and good wishes with folks checking in on each other’s health and well being. The tables were cheery and like last year, the Rhodes historic photos, food menus, sales slips, and other memorabilia were carefully and lovingly displayed; yet despite that, more attention seemed to be focused on the sheer number of obituaries of former Rhodes team members who passed away over the year.

Dorothy Hayden, long time, hardworking committee chairwoman, welcomed guests and read aloud messages from those long time members who couldn’t make it due to illness or other commitments. Memories were shared from the podium: the sweet little lady who worked in the business office that got robbed and chased her assailant, the nightly toilet paper thief, Christmas whimsy, the dreaded “boss” that nobody liked (and no, that “boss” was not in attendance), wee bits of gossip, prayers, women’s successes in a male dominated business world and insightful business discussion of today’s current retail scene. A hearty lunch was served and a sweet little raffle was held that boasted ten winners. Sounds like a heartwarming and delightful event, right?

Yes and no. The reunion committee was looking for new folks to step up and take over the planning of this yearly event. This did not happen. And it may not. There were misty eyes, tearful embraces, and difficult goodbyes because the writing was on the wall. Hearts hung heavy. While Tacoma enjoys a current downtown revival, these retail pioneers and friends know that the history books are calling out their names for the final chapters.

It is with this, that I honor the Rhodes team of yesteryear. I honor them as a Tacoma citizen for the contribution to our history, our growth, and our business world. I honor them as a businesswoman, for paving the way for others and for recognizing the value in team work and quality. I honor them as a person, who respects and admires these fine generations of folks who truly care about each other and took pride in their work. Personally, I honor my grandmother for her energy and enthusiasm. While this may be the end of an era, it’s the beginning of a fine legacy that will continue to flourish for all of us.

9 comments:

So many of the stores that were a big part of my childhood are gone. Besides Rhodes, Newberry's, Frederick & Nelson and the Bon Marche are all gone. Norstrom's, orginally a shoe store has morphed into a place I can neither afford nor care to step into. ISometimes it feels as though eventually there will be one store and one company that will own everything.

I'm with you on that comment about Nordstrom, Stephanie. I don't feel that I even have a single garment that I could wear that I would dare set foot inside Nordy's. You're more likely to find me at Value Village...

Another downtown icon, though not in the upper echilon of classiness, is the loss of the dime store in downtown Tacoma, i.e. Woolworth's. Many a memory -- and some history -- was made there as well.

My husband's mother ran the luncheonette at Woolworth's for many, many years and endured racial slurs and slights in order to earn a living and independently put food on the table for her son, who became my beloved husband. She was such a hard worker, year after year, faithfully showing up, giving her all, and serving up each order with a smile despite their abuse of her.

You know it's interesting you mention Woolworth's. I have had a lot of long time locals tell me that they miss Woolworth and the Proctor Dimestore. I know for me, I wanted to use allowance money for Christmas gifts for my family and the Proctor Dimestore fit the bill (literally).

JJ... your mother in law is one really cool lady... and so courageous... I would not have wanted to know about the pain she experienced at Woolworth's because I love her a lot... at the same time your comment helps me to understand more the wonder of her... her graciousness, her patience, her compassion... her love of God...If I can be like her... I shall be happyJoseph

I too miss the Proctor Dime Store; Peoples Store; Lyons and Bell Telephone where you could actually go and BUY a phone - not like the portable phones you buy today. I also agree there is NO customer service in todays retail stores.

Patty, what's interesting is that "customer service" was the big discussion point with the Rhodes folk. The other thing they said was that when you worked in part of the store, that part of the store was YOURS--you owned it and it was just as important as things in your own home.

One place I will give credit to for customer service is the Safeway at Lakewood Towne Center. Their employees make a point of stopping and asking, "Can I help you find something?" Not only that, but when you tell them what it is you're looking for, they don't just say, "Oh! That's over on Aisle 27-B" and then dart away. Nope. They say, "It's over on Aisle 27-B. Follow me and I'll show you right where it is..." and then they actually insist on walking you over to find the item.

What is this blog?

The quick answer: A place for neighbors. It’s a place to get up to date on what’s going on around you, to tell a story, to share an idea or a bit of yourself. South Sounders created all the content on this page. Send questions, comments or feedback to matt.misterek@thenewstribune.com.

Our regulars

Stephanie Frieze…has always liked to write. Her experience includes three years at the University Washington School of Communications studying journalism. She had a stint at the Chinook Observer in Long Beach. Raised in Bellevue, she’s lived in Gig Harbor for nearly 18 years. She and her husband have a home in Ilwaco, where they spend as much time as possible. This mother of four loves books, spending time with family and the color purple. Contact her at dbandstefery@comcast.net.

Lorraine Hart…was born a nomadic mutt. She spent her life observing, writing and making music. She’s an unabashed carrier of the titles “hippie,” “feminist” and “liberal.” She’s resided in the South Sound since 1996 and is currently living above Joe’s Bay in Home. She juggles her time between being a caregiver, a writer, an artist, a musician, a minister, a wife, a mother, an advocate, a friend and a pilgrim – not necessarily in that order. Contact her at matlox@cablespeed.com.

Jaynie Jones…is a Tacoma resident with diverse career tracks in broadcasting, journalism, teaching, health care, desktop publishing, floral design, special event planning and photography. She’s best known as long-time KOMO radio personality Jaynie Dillon and was once a familiar voice on Tacoma stations KTAC, KBRD-FM, KTNT and KNBQ-FM. Formerly a resident of Tacoma’s East Side, she’s volunteered in the Eastside Substation and with Safe Streets. Contact her at jaynie.jones@gmail.com .

Tracy Lebenzon...is a blog contributor from Greenwater. Greenwater is the last stop before Crystal Mountain, Mount Rainier and the surrounding wilderness areas. When not exploring the next mountain peak or forest trail, Tracy also contributes to the Greenwater Community Council and the Explore-Greenwater.com web site. He writes about topics ranging from favorite foot, bike, and snow trails to community events, local merchants and politics. Contact him at dmountains@explore-greenwater.com.

Joseph McGowan …is a chaplain who supports patients, families, friends, nurses and doctors at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Being 67, he’s learned this about living: Meet people on their own ground and you will discover that this Earth is our special place to meet and support each other. His motto: Live now. Share yourself now. Every living thing you experience is a pure gift. Love all life unconditionally. Contact him at mcg9940@yahoo.com.

Mizu Sugimura …is a third-generation Japanese American living in Federal Way. She’s married and a parent of one adult child. A lifelong resident of the Puget Sound area, she graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of Washington School of Communications. and served on Federal Way’s Diversity and Art Commissions. Her interests are politics, art, the history of minorities in Washington and family history. She’s written a self-published family history about her paternal grandfather. Contact her at mizusugi@yahoo.com.

Kim Thompson…is a Grit City native who was born and raised in Tacoma’s Old Town neighborhood by the gulch. She boasts that she’s a former Lowell Leopard, Mason Mustang and Wilson Ram, a short-time PLU Lute and a longtime UW Husky. This former corporate businesswoman is a wife, a mom, a school volunteer, a substitute teaching assistant, a writer and a born-again distance runner. She has convinced friends from Bellevue that Tacoma is worth the drive. Contact her at kimricksy@comcast.net.
ugi@yahoo.com.